Reacting to the UK Government Announcement on Nationally Determined Contribution (NDCs) at COP29, Baku the Under2 coalition members Scotland and Wales said:
"With the world experiencing countless severe weather events in the last year, it is right that stretching targets are adopted and delivery meets them. I welcome the new UK Government’s leadership at COP29 in declaring a new and ambitious NDC. We know that taking a lead in emission reductions can bring wider economic and social benefits for the UK and Wales and welcome the UK’s commitment to greater cooperation with devolved governments in these future processes." First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change for Wales, Huw Irranca
Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy for Scotland, Gillian Martin, said:
“We welcome the UK Government’s ambitious new interim target for cutting carbon emissions – and I look forward to continuing to work with the UK Government on the critical UK-wide actions that need to be taken which will support our climate ambitions.
“Scotland is now halfway to net zero and continues to be ahead of the UK as a whole in delivering long term emissions reductions. The Scottish Government’s commitment to ending Scotland’s contribution to global emissions by 2045 at the latest is unwavering”
Director of the Under2 Coalition, Nehmat Kaur, said:
“We welcome the UK’s ambitious commitment to an 81% emissions reduction by 2035 as part of its updated NDC. It's an important step in the right direction, now others need to follow suit. The UK's strong emphasis on national security as a driver of climate action underscores a crucial reality: there is no national security without addressing the climate crisis head-on.
We'd like to have seen more clarity on how the 2030 NDC will be achieved, and new funding for climate justice. It's critical that the UK government delivers clear, actionable pathways and additional resources for climate action, particularly for the most vulnerable communities.
This will require not only national leadership but also partnerships with devolved nations and governments across all levels to ensure that the UK meets its climate targets while ensuring a just and equitable transition for all."
— ENDS